1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa vs. 1978 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1978 Ferrari 400 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 1150 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | 1978 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 500 Testarossa | 400 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 422 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 120 L |
